Researchers studied data on more than 5,000 adolescents with an approximate age of 15 years. Adolescents with the highest exposure to alcohol use in films were 1.2 times more likely to have tried alcohol than those least exposed, and 1.7 times more likely to binge drink. Those with the highest exposure were also 2.4 times more likely to drink weekly and 2 times more likely to have alcohol-related problems than those less exposed.

Study authors suggest a review of film-rating categories and alcohol ratings for all films may help reduce alcohol consumption in adolescents.